The Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer and it also starts a renewed
push to enforce the state’s impaired driving laws by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Local law enforcement agencies across the state and the Colorado State Patrol will be out in force beginning that weekend as part of the
Heat Is On campaign with increased DUI patrols, saturation patrols and
sobriety checkpoints.
“As families venture out on the roads for vacations, we want to
keep them safe from impaired drivers, “said Pamela Hutton, CDOT Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety. “Unfortunately, we are entering the
deadliest time of year on our highways. Thirty-eight percent of fatal alcohol-related crashes in Colorado occur in the months of June, July, August and September.”
According to preliminary data, 41 percent of all traffic fatalities in Colorado last year involved alcohol, resulting in the deaths of 217 people. Nearly 76 percent of those fatalities were men, and 17% were under age 21. Sixteen percent of alcohol-related crashes involved motorcycles, and 13 percent were pedestrians.
The following counties had the most
alcohol-related fatalities in 2006: Jefferson (28), Arapahoe (22), Adams (18),
Denver (14), Larimer (12), Weld (12), Mesa (12), El Paso (9), Douglas (8), La Plata (6) and Pueblo (6).
Memorial Weekend also marks the start of
DUI Checkpoint Colorado. Ten law enforcement agencies will receive grants from CDOT to conduct more than
150 sobriety checkpoints every week
throughout the summer.
"We have
zero tolerance for impaired drivers, aggressive/distracted drivers and speeders," said Colonel Mark Trostel, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "The Colorado State Patrol will have every available officer out on the roadways, including myself, in an effort reach our target of zero traffic-related fatalities. This is
fair warning for all motorists to make responsible driving choices, follow the law and to always remember to buckle up yourself and your passengers."
The following 57 local Colorado law enforcement agencies will receive LEAF grants for increased DUI enforcement throughout the summer including the Denver Police Department.
The following ten agencies will also be participating in
DUI Checkpoint Colorado this summer: